TAMPA, Fla. – Linebackers are the next stop in our series of pre-camp position-by-position analysis for the Buccaneers.
This could be a position of strength for the Bucs. Lavonte David already is recognized as one of the best outside linebackers in the league and he is just starting to reach his full potential.
The Bucs believe David can come up with more big plays (see takeaways) this year. If he does, he might finally get the recognition he deserves and get selected for the Pro Bowl. That’s the only honor on David’s resume that’s missing. He already has respect from across the league, but David needs to come up with more big plays to get the attention he deserves.
The Bucs made a switch at middle linebacker. They let Mason Foster walk away in free agency and brought in Bruce Carter. The belief on the coaching staff is that Carter is faster, more athletic and should be better in pass coverage. He comes from a similar defensive scheme in Dallas, where he had five interceptions last year.
The only linebacker position that could be open to competition in camp is on the strong side. Journeyman Danny Lansanah had a career year last season and has an edge over fourth-round draft pick Kwon Alexander.